Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on May 18, a federal jury in Bridgeport found TYSHAWN McDADE, also known as “S Dot” and “S Diddy,” 30, of Hartford, guilty of crack cocaine trafficking offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of West Hell street gang, and gang-related violent activity. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 24, as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with his associates, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.

The evidence at trial proved that McDADE conspired with Scott and others to distribute crack cocaine. On March 3, 2014, McDADE sold a quantity of crack to an individual working with law enforcement.

The jury found McDADE guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base. When he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer, McDADE faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation. Scott and 22 other defendants previously pleaded guilty to various offenses. One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation Division. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants. The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.